TheSportsPACK

As conference play gets set to begin next week, TheSportsPACK is highlighting some of the standout freshmen from across the country. These first-year players have made an immediate impact for their schools this season with hope of continuing that throughout the conference schedule. Rashard Vaughn  @ShowtimeMr1   ( UNLV )  The 6-6 guard from Findlay Prep leads all freshman in scoring averaging 17.7 points per game. Vaughn has scored in double digits 8 out of the 10 games he has played this season. Four of those contest resulted in 20+ point outings including a career high 29 vs Albany and 21 points in the upset win over #3 Arizona.  James Blackmon Jr. @JBlackmon2   ( Indiana )  Blackmon Jr.is the first freshman guard to lead the Hoosiers in scoring since Devin Dumes during the 2008-2009 season. Blackmon Jr. is averaging 17.6 points per game; second among freshman and third in the Big Ten Conference. James has scored over 15 points in 8 of hi...

*(min 100 pass attempts) Blake Bortles (1st rd / 3rd pick JAX ) It's hard to gauge Blake Bortles success with him playing in Jacksonville of all places but there were some signs of leadership from the first quarterback taken in the 2014 draft. Versus the New York Giants, Bortles engineered an 11 play, 55 yard drive to set up a game winning field goal to give Jacksonville their second win of the season. Brotles however has had trouble keeping the ball, throwing 17 interceptions this season (Jay Cutler leads the NFL with 18 int). If Jacksonville wants to get out of the AFC South cellar, Bortles must cut into his turnover margin. This is a young football team, they will grow together. Expect to see a vast improvement from Blake next season. Grade: C+   Johnny Manziel (1st rd / 22 pick CLE ) The Browns used their second 1st round pick on the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner and rightfully so. The Browns were 4-12 and struggled heavily on keeping a consistent offense ...